RIDE THE LIGHTNING by METALLICA has sold 6,590,906 copies in 8 countries. The album sold best in United States (6,000,000 copies), Canada (345,000 copies) and United Kingdom (100,000 copies).
RIDE THE LIGHTNING certifications and sales
| Country / region | Sales | Certification / source | Certification date / sales as of | |
 Argentina |
60,000 | 1x Platinum | 6 December, 1991 |
Argentina Sales: 60,000
Certification / note: 1x Platinum
Certification Date / sales as of: 6 December, 1991
|
 Canada |
345,000 | 1x Platinum | 1994 |
Canada Sales: 345,000
Certification / note: 1x Platinum
Certification Date / sales as of: 1994
|
 Denmark |
40,000 | 2x Platinum | 19 September, 2017 |
Denmark Sales: 40,000
Certification / note: 2x Platinum
Certification Date / sales as of: 19 September, 2017
|
 Italy |
25,000 | 1x Gold (Sales since 2009) | 2021 |
Italy Sales: 25,000
Certification / note: 1x Gold (Sales since 2009)
Certification Date / sales as of: 2021
|
 Japan |
906 | Oricon charts |
Japan Sales: 906
Certification / note: Oricon charts
Certification Date / sales as of:
|
|
 Poland |
20,000 | 1x Platinum | 28 July, 2021 |
Poland Sales: 20,000
Certification / note: 1x Platinum
Certification Date / sales as of: 28 July, 2021
|
 United Kingdom |
100,000 | 1x Gold | 29 September, 1988 |
United Kingdom Sales: 100,000
Certification / note: 1x Gold
Certification Date / sales as of: 29 September, 1988
|
 United States |
6,000,000 | 6x Platinum | 13 December, 2012 |
United States Sales: 6,000,000
Certification / note: 6x Platinum
Certification Date / sales as of: 13 December, 2012
|
| Total sales | 6,590,906 | (in 8 countries) |
Total
Sales: 6,590,906
(in 8 countries)
|
Year-end chart performance for RIDE THE LIGHTNING
| Chart 2020 | Rank |
| Polish Albums (ZPAV) |
53 |
| Chart 2021 | Rank |
| Polish Albums (ZPAV) |
59 |